MANILA — Defending champion De La Salle University wasted no time asserting its dominance, sweeping its opening assignments to seize early control of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s 3×3 Basketball tournament on Monday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The Green Archers staged a gritty comeback to defeat Adamson University, 21-16, before dismantling the University of the East, 21-11, to complete a perfect 2-0 start and signal their intent to retain the crown.
Balanced scoring anchored La Salle’s charge, with Jcee Macalalag firing nine points and Andrei Dungo adding six in the win over Adamson. Against UE, Luis Pablo and Dungo again delivered with six points apiece to power another convincing victory.
Ateneo de Manila University also emerged as an early contender, bouncing back from a last-place finish last season by opening with two straight wins.
Shawn Tuano led the Blue Eagles with eight points and six rebounds in a 21-13 triumph over Far Eastern University before Kyle Gamber drained the decisive two-pointer in a thrilling 21-19 overtime win against National University.
In the women’s division, University of Santo Tomas made a loud statement, crushing two formidable opponents to open its campaign in dominant fashion.
The Growling Tigresses routed defending champion Ateneo, led by Kacey dela Rosa, 21-9, before overwhelming Adamson, spearheaded by Cheska Apag, 21-10.
Kent Pastrana, a multiple-time UAAP Elite Team member, powered UST’s offense with 11 points against Ateneo and followed it up with eight points and 13 rebounds versus Adamson.
Fil-Australian rookie Erinn Mcalary provided strong support, tallying five points and five rebounds against Ateneo before contributing six points in their win over the Lady Falcons.
Far Eastern University joined UST atop the women’s standings with a 2-0 record, edging the University of the Philippines, 15-14, and De La Salle University, 14-13, in a pair of tight contests./PN
